Yet another ban

Sir: The Sindh government has decided to ban instant messaging and voice over internet protocol (VoIP) applications such as Skype, WhatsApp, Tango and Viber for three months as a security measure. Internet freedom groups and activists have expressed anger and disbelief at this decision. Many people said that the government should focus on eliminating terrorism in the province and improving the law and order situation instead of taking our freedom away. This is not the first time communication services have been blocked in the name of security.

In the past several years, the government blocked cellular services over a dozen times. Hence, this cannot be a permanent solution. I think the government should review this decision and devise a valuable and authentic plan to fight terrorism. Bilawal Bhutto’s tweet, in which he refers to VoIP users as “burgers”, has raised a further hue and cry. My question is: will this decision solve the worsening Karachi situation?